October 27, 2017

Top Political News

• As G.O.P. Bends Toward Trump, Critics Either Give In or Give Up.
• Congress approves another round of hurricane, wildfire funding.
• House Passes Budget Blueprint, Clearing Path for Tax Overhaul
• McConnell allies declare open warfare on Bannon.
• Trump declares the opioid crisis a public health emergency
• The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics.

Energy & Natural Resources

• Feds considering repeal of EPA emissions rule for trucks
• Fees To Enter Popular National Parks Would Skyrocket Under Interior Department Plan
• Wildfire fight brings Northwest Democrats and Republicans together
• EPA plans to streamline air pollution permitting.
• 12 global cities plan to build emissions-free neighborhoods, support clean transit

Indian Affairs

• Northwest Tribes Say Highway Work Violated Religious Freedoms
• A Northwest traveling totem-pole protest targets fossil-fuel development
• Film Documents Tribal Effort to Reclaim Columbia River Tradition

Labor

• Trumka Re-Elected, Touts Unity at AFL-CIO Convention.
• The United Auto Workers has filed a federal complaint claiming Tesla fired workers for trying to unionize. Business Insider
• Candidates With Labor Union Ties Seek to Unseat Paul Ryan.

Taxation, Trade, & Defense

• We asked 6 experts if Congress could stop Trump from eliminating NAFTA
• Major divisions remain as GOP nears its tax deadline
• House Republicans Are Still Considering 401(k) Changes in Tax Overhaul

Technology

• Trump administration to allow quick and dramatic expansion of drone use
• Daimler Steals Tesla’s Thunder With Heavy-Duty Electric Truck
• Google to test self-driving cars in Michigan’s winter conditions
• San Francisco Just Took A Huge Step Toward Internet Utopia.

Transportation

• GOP Chairman: No appetite for gas tax hike now in House
• GE Explores Exiting From the Railroad Business
• Trump light on details about infrastructure bill during Senate meeting
• Tax Reform First, Then Infrastructure, Chao Says. 
• Proposed study would consider tolling downtown Seattle streets to reduce congestion.